A Guide to Botswana's Zebra Migration

For over fifty years Africa’s longest mammal migration has been inhibited by a number of veterinarian fences that were erected across Botswana. 

Thankfully, since 2009 the ancient migratory routes zebra embark on every year are once again accessible.

There are two main migrations currently believed to occur, one which begins on Botswana’s northern border with Namibia, and the other which begins towards the southern parts of the Okavango Delta.

From early December every year, as the rains begin to arrive, both groups head towards the Makadikgadi and Nxai Pan region, found south-east of the Okavango Delta. These areas which once formed the largest in land lake in the world, are now the largest network of salt pans in the world. 

These mineral-rich salt pans fill with lush and nutritious grass with the arrival of the December summer rains.

June – mid-November

During the dry season, the zebra herds stay close to the flowing Chobe river or within the Okavango Delta which is usually brimming with lush vegetation thanks to the arrival of the annual floods.

December

The herds begin their journeys towards the pans.

January - March

By January most of the zebra have reached their summer grazing grounds either in the Makgadikgadi or Nxai Pans. They remain here until the rains start to subside in late March. 

Some herds do however, leave slightly earlier on their return journey.

April – May

The herds' return journeys are not quite as direct as their route down in December. Many herds spread out and exploring different areas, driven by variations in rainfall throughout the year.

June

 The herds will have arrived back into the Chobe or Okavango for the dry season.